Preview: The Wolves open their 24th season Friday while the Kings already have played one game, a 93-87 loss at Chicago on Wednesday. Guard Tyreke Evans led Sacramento with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists on a night when Chicago took over the game with a 12-2 run that started the second half. ... This is the 12th consecutive season the Wolves have started at home. They are 13-10 in opening-night games. ... The teams split the four-game series last season, with the Wolves winning both games at Target Center and the Kings winning both in Sacramento.

Players to watch: Don't miss the battle of the big guys: Wolves center Nikola Pekovic vs. Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins. The Wolves will ask Pekovic to pick up some of the slack from Kevin Love's missing 26 points and 13 rebounds a night while he starts the season sidelined because a broken hand. Cousins likewise is big and bruising, so gifted and so mercurial, too. Cousins led the Kings last season in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, field goals attempted and made and free throws attempted and made.

Did you know? Wolves coach Rick Adelman coached the Kings for eight seasons, from 1998 to 2006.

Injuries: Wolves F Love (broken hand) and G Ricky Rubio (knee surgery) are out for at least the season's opening weeks. G Brandon Roy (bruised knee) and G Luke Ridnour (back) both practiced Wednesday and Thursday and are expected to play. The Kings report no injuries.

JERRY ZGODA